Wuchang's review: Despite Fallen Feathers' disappointing lack of outstanding quality, I find myself unable to put it down.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, the latest entry in the Soulslike genre, has been met with widespread acclaim for its innovative combat system, stunning visuals, and unique touches that set it apart from other games in the genre. However, it also faces criticisms primarily related to balance and difficulty spikes.
Combat System
The combat in Wuchang is fast-paced, dynamic, and fluid, offering a flexible and robust skill tree for extensive build customization and experimentation. With 25 weapon types and dozens of spells at your disposal, combat remains engaging and rewarding. Wuchang's combat system aligns more with the aggressive, rhythmic combat of Nioh rather than the slower pace typical of Dark Souls or Elden Ring, emphasizing offensive momentum and well-timed dodges.
However, some players have expressed frustration due to limited windows of opportunity to land damage on certain bosses, leading to "surprise death" moments perceived as unfair. Difficulty fluctuations, with spikes that may disrupt the sense of progression, are another point of contention. Weapon balance issues also arise, where certain weapons are theoretically viable but differ notably in effectiveness.
Visuals
Wuchang is lauded for its stunning and immersive visuals, which help set it apart from other Soulslikes and enrich the atmospheric world-building experience. Its fantastic art direction contributes strongly to the game's identity and player immersion.
Level Design and Exploration
The level design in Wuchang is crafted cleverly, creating intense scenarios that blend combat and environmental challenges to keep tension high. The map layout balances a degree of linearity with rewarding exploration, encouraging thorough engagement with the world without overwhelming players.
Comparison to Other Soulslikes
While following core Soulslike conventions, Wuchang introduces unique innovations, especially through its weapon disciplines and combat tempo. The combat focuses more on mastery and pressure, similar to Nioh and Wo Long, contrasting with the endurance and survival focus in games like Dark Souls or Elden Ring.
Some reviews cite its derivative aspects and balancing problems as drawbacks, suggesting it doesn't fully transcend its inspirations despite its innovations.
Key Features
- Wuchang uses Unreal Engine 5 and is technically solid, beautifully designed, and largely free of performance hiccups on modern systems.
- The game is a Chinese action RPG developed by Leenzee.
- The setting is Ming Dynasty-inspired and is known for its detailed environment design.
- The protagonist, Bai Wuchang, is a skilled female pirate warrior afflicted by the strange Feathering curse and amnesia.
- Dying in the game releases the player's 'Inner Demon' that will haunt their Red Mercury drop.
- Combat in Wuchang encourages aggression, with dodging being a key element.
- Changing weapons mid-fight is seamless and offers new combo options.
- Skyborn Might, a magical energy, powers unique weapon techniques and skills in the game.
- The 'Madness' mechanic adds a new challenge by increasing damage dealt but also making the player more vulnerable.
- Unique counter moves and swirling combos can be unlocked as the player levels up and spends earned 'Red Mercury' on a weapons skill tree.
- Boss battles are multi-stage duels, demanding timing, observation, and adaptation.
- Blades in Wuchang are swift and precise, while heavier weapons like axes demand commitment and deliver a devastating crunch.
In sum, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is praised as an innovative and impressive Soulslike debut with exceptional combat variety and visuals. However, occasional difficulty spikes, boss design issues, and weapon imbalances temper the experience for some players. Its aggressive combat style and customization options especially appeal to fans of faster-paced Soulslikes like Nioh. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is available on PlayStation 5, Windows PC (Steam & Epic Games Store), and Xbox Series X/S.
- The combat in Wuchang, powered by Skyborn Might, is fast-paced and dynamic, offering a flexible skill tree for creative build customization.
- The game's stunning visuals, creatively designed by the artists at Leenzee, contribute to a rich and immersive environment.
- The level design balances linearity with rewarding exploration, creating a layout that encourages thorough engagement with the Ming Dynasty-inspired setting.
- Wuchang's combat system aligns more with the aggressive rhythm of Nioh, contrasting the endurance focus of games like Dark Souls or Elden Ring.
- The game features 25 unique weapons, each with its own disciplines and techniques, powered by Skyborn Might.
- The Logo for Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is elegantly designed, symbolizing the game's emphasis on combat mastery, devious boss battles, and the protagonist Bai Wuchang's struggle against her own inner demon.
